West Central: Greater Tampa Bay
West Central
The greater Tampa Bay area is increasingly recognized internationally as a premier high-tech hub. Fueled by an economic engine at the pre-eminent University of South Florida, the local ecosystem benefits from an influx of capital and a tight-knit community of passionate doers with a shared vision for the future.
trusted collaborators + connections
Our work is powered by collaborative relationships with trusted individuals and organizations that share our spirit of innovation and desire to help.
Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation
Economic Development
Bradenton Area EDC works to create high-wage jobs and connect established businesses to resources.
Max Stewart
Director of Global Business Development
Cyber Florida
University Research + Innovation
Cyber Florida positions Florida as a national leader in cybersecurity through education, research and outreach.
Ernie Ferraresso
Director
Florida Inventors Hall of Fame
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
The FIHOF supports a culture of creativity to fuel innovation, drive economic growth and encourage investment.
Jamie Spurrier
Program Manager
Hillsborough County Agriculture Economic Development Council
Economic Development
The FEDC educates, advocates for and connects Florida’s economic development stakeholders.
Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED)
Economic Development
PCED encourages business expansion and seeks to attract new companies with high-wage careers.
Scott Talcott
Business Development Manager
Tampa Bay Economic Development Council (EDC)
Economic Development
The Tampa Bay EDC is the lead designated economic development agency for Hillsborough County and nearby cities.
Adam Myers
Director, Business Development
Tampa Bay Tech
Industry Group
Tampa Bay Tech provides annual programming, networking and initiatives to support the local tech ecosystem.
Virginia Lee
Interim Chief Executive Officer
University of South Florida
University Research + Innovation
A preeminent research university in Tampa, USF empowers students to maximize their potential for lifelong success.
Elizabeth Nelson
Matching Grants Research Program Director, Office of Corporate Partnerships
USF Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS)
University Research + Innovation
CAMLS is one of the world’s largest, free-standing simulation facilities for training healthcare professionals.
Haru Okuda
Executive Director
USF Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
The SBDC at USF offers support for small business owners in the Tampa Bay region.
Carl Hadden
Regional Director
Economic Development Innovation Initiative (EDI2) of Hillsborough County
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
EDI2 provides grant funding and support for events and opportunities that help entrepreneurs succeed.
Jennifer Whelihan
Economic Development Manager
Embarc Collective
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
Embarc Collective is a nonprofit hub deliver that provides individualized support to Tampa Bay startups.
Lakshmi Shenoy
CEO
Florida Polytechnic University
University Research + Innovation
Florida Poly is the nation’s leading institution of change, pushing the boundaries of education in STEM.
Florida Venture Forum
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
FVF is Florida's largest statewide support and networking organization for venture capitalists and entrepreneurs.
Kevin Burgoyne
President + CEO
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center
University Research + Innovation
The GCREC offers working research fields and state-of-the-art clean housing and laboratory facilities.
Institute of Applied Engineering (IAE) at USF
University Research + Innovation
The IAE at USF delivers hardware-and-software-based applied research, advanced technology development, prototypes and technical services.
Sarah Lain
Business Development Director
National Academy of Inventors
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
The NAI encourages inventors in academia, following the model of the National Academies of the United States.
Jamie Renee
Executive Director
Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED)
Economic Development
PCED encourages business expansion and seeks to attract new companies with high-wage careers.
Scott Talcott
Business Development Manager
Tampa Bay Wave
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
Tampa Bay Wave is a nationally recognized accelerator program that helps build, launch and grow businesses.
Linda Olson
President + CEO
USF Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS)
University Research + Innovation
CAMLS is one of the world’s largest, free-standing simulation facilities for training healthcare professionals.
Haru Okuda
Executive Director
From the Suncoast to the Space Coast, a super region for high-tech industry
